Time and Space Use by Two Common Genets (Genetta genetta) in the Doñana National Park, Spain

摘要: Viverrids have not been studied in the same detail as other families of carnivores (Eisenberg, 1981). For common genets, Genetta genetta, references to its use space and time are anecdotal, scarce, usually included papers on more general topics. Some studies undertaken Africa behavior free-living genetta (Ikeda et al., 1983; Waser, 1980) must be attributed felina after taxonomic revision genus by Schlawe (1980). In this paper, we present information patterns activity, homerange size, habitat use, daily movements two genets radio-tracked between September 1985 April 1986. The study was conducted at Doniana National Park, which occupies 550 km2 right bank mouth River Guadalquivir, SW Spain (ca. 37*N, 6"30'W). It includes three main biotopes: marshes or marismas, scrubland, dunes. Usually flooded winter, they were used during study. There types scrubland: a dry, xerophytic scrubland vegetated Halimium sp. Rosmarinus that reach height 1.2 m with relatively low ground cover, dense, mesic Erica Calluna vulgaris, may 3 cover completely. dunes, there mobile bare sand dunes depressions valleys between, colonized pine (Pinus pinea) forests. Climate is mediterranean subhumid, characterized hot summers mild, wet winters. We young female (weight, 1,040 g; deciduous dentition) an adult male 1,750 teeth showing no wear signs). Both captured live traps baited sardines, immobilized injection mixture ketamine hydrochloride (ketolar) tiazine (Rompun) equipped radio-collars (Wildlife Materials Inc.) switch sensors. signal received portable AVM LA-12 receiver. locations determined triangulation from vehicle. located least once hour seven 24-h periods, 155 times random hours day apart intensive tracking periods. A total 330 determined. Home-range shape size estimated independent locations, using smallest convexpolygon method (Macdonald 1980). To determine zones most intense represented utilization distribution (Van Winkle 1973) 10,000-m2 squares. estimate hourly activity distances traveled each interval sensor radio-collar allowed us know if animal active locations. adding straight-line 25 consecutive multiplying results 1.46, empirical value obtained Palomares (1986) while Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) area. exclusively nocturnal, usual (Diicker, 1965; None 70 daylight revealed activity. Nevertheless, 19% 62 made hours, percentage increasing 65% (n = 51) night. Previously, Ikeda al. (1982) reported diurnal for tigrina Ethiopia. partially tracked explained age, observations captive one (MD) suggest nocturnality predominates animals mature. Also, lived dense heather where high concealment could diminish interference competition larger predators, allowing relaxation schedule showed greater sunset midnight, secondary peak just before sunrise (Fig. 1). home range 26 31 December 1.4 km2. On monthly basis, however, home-range 0.2 October, 0.7 November December,with number roughly similar months (37, 38, 47, respectively). These female, probably born zone, familiar environment, described Rowe-Rowe (1970) rubiginosa kept captivity.